Film Review: Starman (1984)

John Carpenter is a film maker who is, thanks to certain classic titles in his filmography, usually associated with horror genre. However, on occasion, he ventured outside that particular niche. One of his more unusual titles is Starman, 1984 science fiction film that stands out for the strong elements of romantic drama in his plot.

The plot begins with real-life event – 1977 launch of Voyager II, NASA space probe designed to be the first to leave Solar System and, more notably, carrying gold phonograph with messages of good will and information about Earth intended for alien civilisations. Years later, the probe is actually picked up by an alien ship and the message interpreted as an invitation. The space ship that comes to Earth to investigate is, however, shot down by trigger-happy US Air Force. Surviving pilot, an non-corporeal being, finds shelter in rural Wisconsin, at the farm belonging to widow Jenny Hayden (played by Karen Allen). The alien finds the hair belonging to her recently deceased husband Scott (played by Jeff Bridges) and uses DNA to replicate and inhabit his body. Although Jenny gets shocked at the sight of her late husband and although the alien initially has difficulties in using English and establishing proper communication, he talks her into helping him. He has three days to rendezvous with another alien ship that would rescue him and needs Jenny’s car. As Jenny drives the familiar-looking but strange-behaving creature, she gradually begins to establish friendly relationship with the alien. In the meantime, the alien is being hunted by US military and government scientists, which include SETI expert Mark Shermin (played by Charles Martin Smith) whose boss George Fox (played by Richard Jaeckel) might have some sinister intentions.

This film, despite having experienced and successful Michael Douglas as producer, spent years in development hell and the last two under the shadow of E.T., much more successful film with which it had shared many plot similarities. John Carpenter was brought relatively late in the game and, according to him, his heart wasn’t in it. Despite that, as a true professional he provided more than solid direction and even employed some interesting creative choices. After the beginning, with features spectacle and special effects you are to expect from 1980s science fiction blockbuster, Starman, somewhat unusually, turns into road film that features bits of action, mild humour and, at the end, even some romance. Carpenter also uses the road film format to feature various landscapes in various parts of USA and his film provides unusually sympathetic portrayal of Middle America, in which protagonists receive crucial aid from the kind-hearted strangers. The only exception to that are couple of cliched rednecks who don’t like alien’s view on hunting.

The greatest asset of the film, is however, Jeff Bridges who worked very hard to realistically portray human being possessed by alien. His strange robot-like mannerisms effectively give away someone who is unfamiliar not only with human civilisation or language, but also with the way human body works. Although some viewers might find those mannerisms too annoying, Bridges has received Oscar nomination for his work and this is, so far, the only occasion that someone received such honour for playing the extraterrestrial. Karen Allen is also good in her role that requires her to go through emotional roller coaster, starting with shock, disbelief, continuing with fear and doubt, and ending with friendship, affection and love. Generally solid impression is compromised with weak, predictable and somewhat overlong ending, which is made worse by too monotonous electronic soundtrack by Jack Nitzsche. Despite those flaws, Starman has its share of dedicated fans and can be recommended, especially to viewers who like old-fashioned romantic stories. Although it had somewhat mediocre results at the box-office, this film few years later received a sequel in form of short-lived television series.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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